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We spend our whole careers encouraging people to travel. The thought of empowering gift givers this holiday season with a simple plastic card to entice loved ones to act on their wanderlust is a gift this Innkeeper treasures.

You finally did it. You listed your Airbnb property or room online and you are excited. You begin going about the details, adding sheets and towels and little amenities such as soaps and flowers in the room. Then you have the idea of adding a complimentary bottle of wine to the room. You think perhaps that will win the guests over and they will write a glowing review. Let me stop you there.

If you are tempted to feel defeated knowing that Airbnb reported $5.3 million in sales tax revenue, don’t be because the lions share is with the other 93%. Knowing these numbers and watching them rise or fall can be a game changer for a business.

The plan could bring new people to Maine and it could also help some Mainers stay. From the lodging perspective, finding a diamond in the rough property is exciting. Those that have done business before in Maine are stronger from their experiences. These seasoned business owners can renovate and create anywhere. I truly believe there will be some great destination gems created through this program.

The key here is to help Maine seasonal businesses capture more profit to be flexible. More profit could allow a lodging to close some rooms so that staff is not stretched, or it could mean having more money to reward employees with.

The slogan this year for NTTW is Travel Then and Now. The slogan encourages the industry to reflect on past success and promote policies for the future. This reflection is needed more than ever in the industry.

Competing with the Online Travel Agents is a hard job. Online Travel Agents have many resources to get in front of your customer and sell your rooms faster than you can. But, one thing OTA’s do not have is the spirit of your brand that only your voice can bring to a Facebook post.

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Kristen Bifulco

Kristen is the owner of SuiteRev. SuiteRev is a consulting agency for Bed and Breakfasts, Airbnb's, Inns and Small Hotels. Kristen is motivated to help small lodgings uncover revenue and become sustainable.